Lorna Rose Treen on the best and worst of the Edinburgh Fringe

Lorna Rose Treen is heading the Edinburgh Fringe to reprise her debut show Skin Pigeon at Pleasance Dome at 9.50pm from Wednesday until August 12. Then, from the 15th, she presents a work in progress at Hootenanies @ Apex. Here she shares what she can't get enough of at the festival, her most embarrassing Edinburgh experience and the worst thing about the Fringe. Apart from the cost of accommodation, obviously…

Edinburgh binge

On my day off I went to a spa with two other character comedians and we bathed and talked about rubbish for hours, it was so nice. I played with a pool noodle for upwards of 40 solid minutes. I did four good backwards rolls and one fine handstand. 

Edinburgh cringe

Legend has it (me, I’m the legend) that last year I took the whole Fringe very professionally and drank after my show on two days only: The day before my day off, and the final night of Fringe. 

The first time, by 9pm I was throwing up into every toilet in Underbelly’s performer bar Abattoir. My producers held my hair back - it was really good for bonding, they really love working with me. 

On the last night, I got so drunk I kept telling my joke to everyone, and I got carried out of the Assembly Underground  bar (by one of my producers, they really love me) because I was screaming my joke at every single person who walked past, including Steve Bugeja (sorry Steve Bugeja! my parents LOVED your show!)

Edinburgh whinge

There was no rat king last year :(  

[Fellow comic] Jodie Mitchell promised me there would be a rat king, like there was in 2022. 

BUT I’ve just seen Edinburgh refuse collectors have announced a bin strike for August again, so I’m hoping I get to see one this year. Stuff you simply can’t get in zoos!

Published: 28 Jul 2024